Hampton University Alumni from Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications to Share Expertise during Homecoming Week
October 20, 2025 (HAMPTON, VA) – Former MSNBC President and Hampton University Board of Trustees members, along with top news executives from EBONY Media and TV One, will participate as panelists during Homecoming Week at Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.
Rashida Jones will share her opinions on challenges facing the media in the current political environment in a visual podcast taping on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at 6:00 p.m. On Thursday at 1:30 p.m., public relations leaders Kiara Bass, from Day One Agency, London Coleman-Williams of MBooth, and Kia Robinson from Hilton, will host an alumni panel entitled Echoes of Experience to discuss how PR professionals must adapt their strategic plans to technology changes and a marketplace that may be driven by tariffs and other changes that are not in their control.
On Thursday at 5:00 p.m., alumna Charity Pourhabib, an award-winning advertising executive with Wieden+Kennedy, will talk with students about why she developed AdMagic, an initiative encouraging HBCU students to apply for mentorship opportunities in brand management, creative, and strategic design.
On Friday, Oct. 24th at 10:00 a.m., alumni Cori Murray, executive vice president of EBONY Media, Robert Avery, vice president for TV One, and Charisma Deberry, vice president of Horizon Media, will discuss ‘Hampton, Hustle, and Headlines: The Blueprint of Impact.
“It’s not only about having superior writing and editing skills, said Jones, former president of MSNBC. AI, social media, and digital platforms have completely changed the game. Students must adapt to these new media realities to remain competitive in their search for early career opportunities.”
According to a recent Forbes analysis, in a world flooded with AI-generated content, authentic human communication becomes increasingly valuable, not less so. The key is to combine traditional communication skills with digital literacy. Career paths include jobs in journalism, advertising, public relations, digital marketing, corporate communications, crisis communications, and other areas.
On Friday at 12 noon in the Robert P. Scripps Auditorium, students and alumni will connect for an hour-long networking reception.
“The alumni participating in Homecoming activities in our school are major players in the industry and will share critical information for today’s aspiring journalists and communicators,” said Julia A. Wilson, Dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism
and Communications. “Our goal is to align our students with the best in the business. We believe our Homecoming activities achieve that end and continue to demonstrate Hampton University’s commitment to excellence.”
These Homecoming Week activities will be held in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism. For more information, visit the school’s website: https://home.hamptonu.edu/shsjc/.
About Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications
The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is committed to preparing students with hands-on, high-quality writing and research skills and a well-rounded education for global careers in journalism and strategic communications. SHSJC emphasizes accuracy, balance, fairness, integrity, and high ethical standards of excellence. The Scripps Howard education brand is internationally renowned for promoting, supporting, and enabling aspiring journalists and mass communications professionals.
SHSJC contact: Ms. Carol Crabbe, carol.crabbe@hamptonu.edu